Two people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition after a violent single-vehicle crash near the Utah State Capitol early Wednesday, according to Salt Lake City police. The wreck was reported at about 2 a.m. at the intersection of 500 North and Columbus Street, where first responders had to cut both occupants out of the mangled car. Police say the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
What police said
Sgt. George Uyema with the Salt Lake City Police Department told KSL NewsRadio that the crash was reported around 2 a.m., and officers arrived to find two occupants in critical condition. Both had to be removed from the vehicle before being taken to a hospital. Coverage from KSL also includes a screengrab from a Utah Department of Transportation camera capturing the crash scene.
Where it happened
The crash occurred at 500 North and Columbus Street on the lower slope of Capitol Hill, a short walk from the Utah State Capitol. The Capitol complex lists its address as 350 North State Street, according to the Utah State Capitol.
Traffic safety on 500 North
500 North has been the focus of traffic-calming work in recent years as city planners try to slow drivers and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The Salt Lake City Department of Transportation outlines past improvements and plans for the corridor on its website, including raised crosswalks and other calming features, according to Salt Lake City.
Investigators continue the probe
Salt Lake City police said the cause of the crash was still under investigation Wednesday morning, per KSL NewsRadio. Officials had not released the victims' names or updated their conditions beyond describing both as critical.
Authorities did not immediately say whether impairment, speed, or mechanical failure played a role. This story will be updated as police release more information.
